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Unit 17 - Psychology of Sport PerformanceArousal and Arousal TheoriesCatastrophe TheoryE.G.I scored 25Means I have high levels of anxietyI am a high IZOF athleteUnderarousedAthlete's performance will decreaseAthlete is neither physiologically (low heart rate) or psychologically (low concentration) readyWide attention field - information overloadAthlete bordom?OverarousedPerformance decreaseNarrow attention field - cues missedLow concentrationOver excitementOptimally ArousedOnly at an optimal level of arousal will performance become positively effectedOptimal attentional levels - focused only on relevant stimulusAutonomy in performanceInverted U HypothesisOptimal Arousal = Optimal PerformancePair UpLog on to a computer and access this website http://www.brianmac.co.uk/scat.htmBoth of you complete the Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT) (Martens et al., 1990)Once you have both completed the questionnaire share your score and verdict with your partner.You will now act as eachother's sport psychologist; apply one of the four arousal theories to your partner's test findings, and explain how your partner will achieve optimal performanceBe prepared to share your work with the rest of usIndividual Zones of Optimal Functioning (IZOF)Considers individual and situational differencesEverybody has a different optimal level of arousal (differs to previous theories)Can remain in that zone for varying periodsAthletes have preferred levels of state anxiety called zones of optimal functioning (Horne, 2008).Drive TheoryDrive - "an excitatory state produced by a homeostatic disturbance" (Seward, 1956).What do we already know about arousal?Think of a definition.What are the practical implications of arousal?5 mins.How does arousal effect performance?Perception of the athlete‘a general physiological and psychological activation varying on a continuum from deep sleep to intense excitement’ (Gould and Krane, 1992)'Athletes excel when their physiological arousal is at an optimal level, but their performance declines markedly when it gets too high' (Karageorghis and Terry, 2011. p.93).Optimal Level - "the zone":"when you become immersed in an external or internal focus of attention" (Nideffer, 1992).